Pentecostal bishops across Kenya have rallied behind their Catholic counterparts, urging the government to address pressing issues affecting citizens and respect the Church’s role in advocating for the people. Speaking during the ordination of Bishop James Sasung, the leaders called on political actors to engage in dialogue with the Church and avoid profiling clergy as tribalists.
Led by the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya’s General Secretary, Bishop David Thagana, the Pentecostal leaders expressed concern over the growing disconnect between the government and its citizens. They emphasized the Church’s commitment to speaking truth to power and ensuring that the voices of ordinary Kenyans are heard.
Addressing National Challenges
The bishops echoed the sentiments of Catholic bishops, highlighting urgent issues such as the high cost of living, confusion in the healthcare sector’s transition, and the ongoing university lecturers’ strike. Bishop Thagana underscored that the Church is on the ground, directly witnessing the struggles of Kenyans, and cannot remain silent.
“We urge leaders to connect with their electorates and listen to the legitimate voices from the ground. Be sensitive to the issues concerning Kenyans,” Thagana said.
Bishop Paul Ogutu of the Glory Outreach Assembly, representing the Nyanza region, also weighed in, calling on the government to prioritize resolving the healthcare transition and addressing the lecturers’ strike, which has jeopardized students’ education.
“University students are concerned about how they will sit exams without lectures. This competition and uncertainty are worsening the situation,” Ogutu noted.
Bridging the Gap Between Government and the People
The Church leaders criticized what they perceive as the government’s reluctance to accept constructive criticism. According to Bishop Thagana, the government should avoid defensive responses and instead engage in dialogue with the Church to address the nation’s challenges.
“Let there be an opportunity for the government to listen to the voice of the Church. We cannot serve the same people while speaking past each other. There is a significant gap between the government and the people who elected it,” Thagana remarked.
The bishops also expressed disappointment with politicians who have labeled some clergy as tribalists, warning that such divisive rhetoric could strain the relationship between the Church and the state.
Calls for Institutional Reforms
A key demand from the clergy was the urgent reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Bishop Ogutu argued that the current lack of a functional electoral body has denied Kenyans a constitutional avenue to recall ineffective leaders.
“Most Kenyans have no trust in many leaders, but they cannot recall them because there is no constitutional body mandated to oversee the process,” Ogutu said.
Upholding Integrity and Respect
The bishops emphasized the need for politicians to uphold integrity and respect the Church’s role as a moral compass in society. They urged the government to recognize the Church as a partner in development, not an adversary.
“The voices of Catholic bishops reflect the reality on the ground. It is a clear picture of what is happening across the country,” Thagana stated.
Way Forward
The Pentecostal bishops called for immediate steps to address the issues raised, including lowering the cost of living, resolving the healthcare transition confusion, and ending the university lecturers’ strike. They also reiterated the need for mutual respect and collaboration between the Church and the government.
“Dialogue is the solution,” Thagana concluded. “The government must listen to the voices of the Church and the people to bridge the existing gap and create a harmonious society.”
The bishops’ statements highlight the Church’s critical role in advocating for Kenyans’ welfare and holding the government accountable. As economic and social challenges persist, the clergy’s united front serves as a reminder of the need for collective efforts to build a better future for all.
